Ron Silver, 62

As some of you may know, actor and political activist Ron Silver passed away yesterday at the age of 62. He died in his home after a long-fought battle with cancer.

Silver has been in numerous film and television roles throughout the years and I'd like to celebrate the show of his best role -- as Bruno on The West Wing.

Collected are my favorite clips of the series. I understand that some of them require future context to the material, but too bad (because that's how I roll).

Honorary Mention 6. Good Writers Borrow From Other Writers, Great Writers Steal From Them Outright.

Quite possibly the best line of the series. Beautiful scene, one of about five scenes featured in this article from the same episode, "20 Hours in America: Part II. If nothing else, watch the opening scene.



Honorary Mention 5. Instead of Saying Excuse Me…

This is the angry speech that liberals need to make to other liberals when they try to call themselves “progressive.”



Honorary Mention 4. I Didn’t Do It. Toby Did It.

Always good for a laugh, Will Bailey sets up one of the most awkward moments in the show’s history. Not featured: a joke referencing how dull the VP Bob Russell is. “Bob Russell is so dull his Secret Service code name is Bob Russell.”



Honorary Mention 3. The Debate Tie

Despite the weight of the scene, Sorkin and staff decide to have a little fun with the president right before his big moment.



Honorary Mention 2. I'm Gonna Tell You A Story...

The look on Oliver Platt's face says it all. We all know it's coming, but we cannot help but laugh.



Honorary Mention 1. Then We'll Do What's Hard

This is one of the final scenes to "20 Hours in America: Part II," my favorite of the series.



10. Hope

Based off Barack Obama, the character of Matt Santos echoes much of the remarks throughout the campaign -- two years before said election.



9. Toby and Charlie Make Bail

A funny scene in which anything that could go wrong did.



8. Bartlet Medicated

Hilarious, yet strangely reminiscent of W.'s presidency.



7. A Badge of Honor

This is the speech that makes me proud to be with the political party that I am. In the history of America, let it show that it is men and women who wish to make life better for their fellow citizens that are remembered fondly, and those who wish to suppress such freedoms are remembered with disdain and pity.



6. In God We Trust

During the final season of the West Wing, plotline surrounding Republican candidate Arnie Vinick’s religious views made its way into the spotlight. Religion in politics is the dumbest thing that voters select their candidates over. Alda won an Emmy for his performance, particularly this episode.



5. Running for President?

During the height of his presidential controversy (his character withheld his MS condition), he faces the inevitable question.



4. The Bible

This is Aaron Sorkin's most brilliant piece of Conservative Christian Republican bashing -- and I love it. Every rational liberal needs to quote from this constantly.



3. Pipe Bomb -- Reach for the Stars

Quite simply one of the best speeches I have ever heard on a television series. This was the speech that summed up the 2001 September 11th attacks. This depicts the bravery of the vicitms who died. This was still not the best moment of the episode; more on that later.



2. Butterball Hotline

THE funniest moment in the history of the series. He is both full of himself and utterly helpless at the same time.



1. A Little Bit Easier

Perhaps no other moment in the history of the series fully captures the spirit of America. This is a man who is a hard worker, proud, and wants what is best for him and his family. All he wants is a better life for his kids. He is not asking for much, just the chance to prove himself. This is one scene that continues to give me goose bumps at the end.



So again, goodbye to a great actor. I only wish your political opinions would have reverted back to the ways of old after 9/11 , but in either case, I enjoyed watching you work.